Fujifilm Reveales the New XF 23mm F2.8 R WR Pancake Lens
Fujifilm has introduced the XF 23mm F2.8 R WR lens, a compact pancake-style wide-angle lens designed for APS-C cameras delivering a 35mm equivalent focal length. Closely resembling the focal length and form factor of the fixed lens used in the X100 series, this lens is slightly slower, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, but despite its small size—just 23mm in length and only 90 grams in weight —it integrates several notable features. These include a manual aperture ring with a locking auto mode, a high-frequency position detection system for more precise manual focusing and a weather-resistant build.
The lens construction consists of eight elements arranged in six groups, including two aspherical lenses, and employs an 11-blade aperture for smooth bokeh. Its minimum focusing distance is 20 centimeters and the autofocus is driven by an internal DC motor using a full-group focusing system that maintains high image quality at various focusing distances.
The lens continues Fujifilm’s legacy of 23mm lenses dating back to the original X100 series. It offers the same field of view that closely resembles human eyesight and sits alongside previous models such as the XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR and XF23mmF2 R WR. The optical redesign introduces two aspherical elements aimed at improving sharpness and minimizing distortion and spherical aberrations.
According to Fujifilm, the lens was made optically compact through recent advancements in lens design, which involved increasing the use of thinner metal components to reduce size while maintaining structural integrity. Thanks to nine sealing points, the XF 23mm F2.8 R WR is indeed resistant to dust and moisture and can operate in temperatures down to -10°C. These features make it suitable for use in light rain, cold climates or dusty environments.
Designed to match the recently released X-E5 camera, the XF 23mm F2.8 R WR will be available in both black and silver finishes. It will first be offered as part of a kit with the X-E5 before being sold separately in December 2025. The lens is priced at $499.
